Rosemary (Porter) Dickinson, age 74 of Big Rapids, died June 7, 2015 at home. Rosemary was born in Kalamazoo on August 22, 1940. She graduated from Onekama High School in 1958. Her formal education included a Bachelor's degree in Business Teaching and a Master's of Library Science both from Western Michigan University. Rosemary worked at a number of schools in Michigan before coming to Big Rapids in 1968. She was hired to be the (then) Intermediate School Librarian. She worked until June 2003, when she retired after 40 years of teaching. She then volunteered for another 8 years. Rosemary was married to Raymond Dickinson on June 4, 1966. They lived in Mattawan while Ray went to Western and finished his Masters in Library Science. In October 1972, Suzanne Lynn (Dickinson) Carrick was born at the local hospital in Big Rapids. Suzanne was married to Jerry Carrick on September 9, 2000 and they reside in Howard City. Rosemary was a devoted and beloved mother and mother-in-law to Suzy and Jerry. Rosemary and Ray hosted about 60 foreign students and teachers throughout the years. She was like a mother to many of her students, friends and neighbors. Three of their students were year-long foreign exchange students: two from Japan, and one from Germany. During their life together, they traveled a bit in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan. Rosemary really liked San Antonio, TX, and was hoping someday to go back. They also enjoyed a long-distance train ride from Chicago to California where they met Ray's Aunt Geraldine Johnson in Camarillo, CA. They also visited their friend Nobuko Ueda in Mountain View, CA. They also traveled to England, and especially enjoyed seeing Stonehenge and the city of Bath. Rosemary, Ray Suzy and our second foreign exchange student from Japan, Hiroko Yamaguchi flew to Germany to visit the exchange student to be: Gesa Muller-Trollius. Finally, they made three trips to Japan, one in 1997, one in 2005, and one in 2007. Those trips were most memorable. Rosemary was an avid reader and loved mystery novels. She also enjoyed working in her garden. Every night Rosemary prayed for those who have died, and those who are sick. It was a big part of her evening before she went to bed. Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, mother, Margaret Helen (Maxwell) Porter in 1981 and her father, Lucien F. Porter in 1968. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Raymond Dickinson of Big Rapids; daughter Suzy (Jerry) Carrick of Howard City; seven brothers and sisters, Linda Burns from Walker, Louis Porter from Okemos, Mary Helen (Richard) Brown from Mason, Thomas (Tina) Porter from Corunna, IN, Jean (Michael) Mucha from Byron Center, Ronald Porter from Grand Rapids, and Robert (Laurie) Porter from Bear Lake; numerous nieces and nephews, and over 50 cousins. Rosemary attended St. Anne Catholic Church in Paris most recently, but also attended St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids. Visitation will be at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home, south of Big Rapids, Thursday, June 11, 2015 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul Campus Parish on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 11:00AM with Father Joe Fix officiating. Burial will be at St. Anne Cemetery in Paris. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosemary's name to Project Starburst, one of her favorite charities. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, June 12, 2015 11:00 AM St. Paul Campus Parish 1 Damascus Rd Big Rapids,MI 49307